NPR News: 01-03-2026 9PM EST
Date: January 4, 2026
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Format: The latest headlines in a five-minute NPR news update.
Episode Overview
This episode covers major breaking international and national news, including the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reactions from around the world and in Venezuela, the resignation of a Milwaukee judge, and a deadly fire at a Swiss ski resort. Each story is reported with on-the-ground detail and reactions from key voices.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. US Operation to Capture Venezuelan President Maduro
Reported by Franco Ordoñez
[00:20] – [01:35]
- President Trump gave detailed remarks on the covert mission leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- The US operation reportedly involved disabling Caracas' power grid.
- Trump praised the military and law enforcement, highlighting their precision and the complexity of the mission.
Notable Quotes:
- President Donald Trump:
"All Venezuelan military capacities were rendered perilous as the men and women of our military working with US law enforcement, successfully captured Maduro in the dead of night."
[00:55] - Franco Ordoñez (summarizing Trump):
"Trump said Venezuelan forces knew they were coming, but that the US was able to completely overwhelm the resistance... No fatalities, no US equipment loss."
[01:08] - Trump’s assertion:
"...only the US could have pulled off the complex and secretive mission."
[01:25]
2. Domestic and International Reactions to Maduro’s Capture
[01:35] – [02:33]
- Protests erupted outside the White House; mixed political responses.
- Lydia Riley, a DC resident and former Trump voter, expressed anger over the operation and called for Trump’s impeachment.
Notable Quotes:
-
Lydia Riley:
"Well, I'm outraged and disgusted about this attack on Venezuela and kidnapping of his president and many other things that have been and I actually voted for Trump, but no more. I think he should be out impeached."
[01:41] -
Many countries are alarmed but have not criticized Trump publicly; a UN Security Council meeting is scheduled at the request of several nations.
3. Venezuelan and Local Responses
Reported by Carrie Kahn
[02:33] – [03:15]
- Caracas residents experienced shock following explosions during the operation.
- Ordinary citizens voiced hope for a peaceful transition but worry about instability.
- Many rushed to buy essentials amid fears of uncertain days ahead.
Memorable Moments:
- Sandra Martinez (retired government worker):
"Maduro had to go. It was necessary already… if a transition is to happen, God willing, she said she hopes it will be peaceful."
[02:42] - Carlos Barrada (shopkeeper):
"Everyone is saying the next days will be difficult. He says he's decided to take the little money he has stashed away and buy as much food as he can."
[03:00]
4. Judge Resigns After Federal Conviction
Reported by Sarah Lear
[03:15] – [04:22]
- Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan was convicted for helping a man evade immigration agents.
- Dugan resigned to avoid a "partisan fight" in the legislature, though she plans to appeal.
- The Democratic governor will appoint her replacement.
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Lear:
"In her resignation letter, Dugan indicated she is still planning to appeal her conviction, but... said she is stepping down to avoid a, quote, partisan fight in the state legislature."
[03:45]
5. Deadly Fire in Swiss Ski Resort
[04:22] – [04:58]
- Two managers are under investigation after a fire at an Alpine bar killed at least 40 and injured over 100 on New Year's Eve.
- The suspected cause was sparklers atop champagne bottles.
- Many victims suffered serious burns.
Timestamps for Important Segments
- US capture of Maduro: [00:20] – [01:35]
- DC protests and international response: [01:35] – [02:33]
- Venezuelan voices and local response: [02:33] – [03:15]
- Milwaukee judge resignation: [03:15] – [04:22]
- Swiss resort fire investigation: [04:22] – [04:58]
Tone and Language
The episode features straightforward, urgent news reporting with moments of emotion from quoted subjects. The tone shifts between objective reporting and the raw reactions of individuals caught in the news.
This concise but powerful news roundup illustrates the far-reaching consequences of international and domestic events through solid reporting and voices from the ground.